TODAY -

Manipur Polo International
A Flavour In Sangai Festival, All Set For A Spectacular Opening

Gyanendro Ningombam *

Pana Kangjei Exhibition Match at    at 7th International Polo Tournament 2013  at the world Oldest Polo Ground, Mapal Kangjeibung :: November 28 2013
Pana Kangjei Exhibition Match at the world Oldest Polo Ground, Mapal Kangjeibung on Nov 28 2013 :: Pix - Jinendra Maibam



It is an established fact and accepted that Manipur is the birth place of Polo. It means that Manipur gave the world the game of Polo. The game of Polo (Sagol Kangjei), according to Chaitharol Kumbaba, the royal chronicle of Manipur was introduced by king Kangba, writes Gyanendro Ningombam.

The 8th Manipur Polo International, 2014 organised by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, under the sponsorship of planning Department, Govt. of Manipur as a flavour of Manipur Sangai Festival is all set to rocket off to a spectacular star here at historic Mapal Kangjeibung, (Polo Ground) "The oldest living polo ground in the world".

The inaugural ceremony of this mega event, in commemoration with the 150th year of historic event where the then British Army officer Lt. Joseph Ford Sherer has taken one Manipuri Polo team to Kolkata on January 30, 1864 for an exhibition match will take place tomorrow and competition will go till 29th November 2014. Seven major teams from outside India - England, USA, Poland, South Africa, France, Mangolia and Thailand and two teams from India - India A and India B (Being formed by Manipuri players) will take part in the competition.

The MHRAPA and its organizing committee have made Herculean effort to make this historic mega event of this year landmark with the MPI will, this year, be the most memorable moment as the millennium "hype" is doing the round here and Manipuris are all poised to make every second count a memento for the new millennium.

As the tournament has assumed great significance in recent years and every edition it is fact that MHRAPA is striving to showcase and promote the best of what the state has to offer to the world in terms of popularising such historic event that offer fuller advantage of utilising Manipuri Pony (critically endanger) by all participating foreign players to accomplish their fondness of playing game of Polo with this lovely Pony - the original Polo Pony on the soil of the oldest leaving Pologround in the world.

The MHRAPA, notably, its President S. Budhachandra Singh deserves Kudos for steadfastly holding on to the concept or idea - "Save Manipuri Pony" and eventually ensuring to prove "Manipur the Birth place of Polo" that everything fell in the right place. But on the topic of Saving Pony, the only Pony Polo there are quite a questions to be examined in depth.

Since inception of this historic tournament to unify the vast world of diverse culture and language in 1991, thanks to the initiative of the then MHRAPA Dr.N. Tombi Singh, the tournament has passed through stresses and strains. But the tournament is still alive and kicking despite the galloping problems enveloping movements.

Heartening is the fact that as a concept or otherwise a mandatory the tournament transcend the intensity of combat which are something more aimed primarily to give the foreign players to make the habit of playing Polo with the Manipuri Pony- the only Polo Pony. How far MHRAPA have achieved its objectives set for in this very tournament may be a matter of debate. But undeniably it will certainly unify all polo playing countries to take up footstep for saving Manipuri Polo urgently and immediately.

One more interesting note is that this year, Doordarshan has come out to avail the facility of watching live stream of all the matches placed fort in this 8 day long competition across the globe. The tournament could, therefore be named or counted as one of the best ever tournament that we can foretaste the climax. The entire Polo loving people of this state could enthusiastically anticipating wonderful plays from the foreign teams. And add to this crowd will also have another exciting moment to witness the Indian Team B (host team) to produce a brand of Polo game that neither ingenuous nor impeccable to defend the title.

And I am admire to reflect that more than promoting the game of Polo in the soil of wondrously beautiful Shangrila called Manipuri where more than thirty ethnic brethren - Meitei, Meitei Pangal, Nagas, Kuki chin groups and other colourful communities speaking different dialects, having different culture and religion who have lived up in complete harmony over centuries and centuries, the tournament will instill in giving a massage to the masses that "Manipur is a land of Panoramic cultural tradition and excellent sports".

As the grand finale countdown of the titanic clashes. Progress forth some team will sink and some team will soar sky high and clash for supremacy will see the best team lifting the most coveted trophy "Manipur Polo cup".

Amazing however is the effort taken by MHRAPA at a far of place like Manipur to come up with an International Tournament of Polo that merits comparison with others. True, there had been many hurdles owing to one reason or the other, but the fact that Imphal, the enchanting capital of Manipur literally meaning " A Jewel land" this little corner is a veritable pradise on Earth had the best ever facilities ready before the tournament began is a tribute to the men behind the venture and people of this tiny state. Surely, it a Herculean task to cater to the need of participants, officials and people involved in this tournament. That MHRAPA had courageously geared itself to meeting the challenge was no small matter.

The 8th Manipur Polo International with a motto " Save Manipur Polo, The original Polo Pony" this year at Mapal Kangjeibung (Pologround) signaled a new reality in the history of Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association.


* Gyanendro Ningombam wrote this article for Hueiyen Lanpao
The writer is the Editor of Meeyam Evening Daily. He can be reached at gyanendroningombam(at)gmail(dot)com
This article was posted on November 22, 2014.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • National Science Teacher workshop
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2024 : Timeline
  • Livelihood Disaster in Mapithel Region
  • Condemns Killing of CRPF Personnel
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Manipur College
  • Huidrom Oliviya: Silver @Cadet Europian Cup
  • Election: Runner-up may spoil the joy
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laishram Ladu Singh
  • Imphal Ring Road Project to Transform
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #2
  • The Power of Poppy - 28 :: Poem
  • Condemned unabated illegal taxation
  • Watermelon : Super nutritious summer fruit
  • People have spoken, Manipur has voted
  • Skirting around core issues
  • Lok Sabha polls in Manipur #2 : Gallery
  • The Taj Mahal that bans Lovers !
  • Importance of bees !
  • Massive hailstorm in Jiribam
  • The messiah of hapless children
  • Attack on fuel tankers & blasting bridge
  • Blame it on Meetei
  • The Happiness Code : Download
  • NH-2 Bridge bombed @Sapermeina : Gallery
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #1
  • Training Programme under SPARK concluded
  • Why environment control is so difficult
  • 4th Foundation Day- Young Minds Collective
  • All set for second phase poll
  • The Nongsaba phenomenon
  • Khongjom Day @Khebaching #1 : Gallery
  • India's responsibility to end Manipur violence
  • Migrant worker could access TB services only
  • Importance of reading magazines as student
  • SHG pioneering agricultural innovation
  • Nearing the one year mark
  • The enemy within
  • Id-ul-Fitr @Hatta #2 : Gallery
  • Workshop @ NSU Manipur : Gallery
  • 15th Manipur State Film Awards 2023
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Panthoibi Shanglen
  • GSDP doubles, health shines
  • Vote has been cast, repoll held
  • Two faces of democracy
  • Laurels for Scientist Ngangkham Nimai
  • Crime against women in Manipur
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Sugnu
  • Creativity & innovation for vibrant career
  • 4th Foundation Day of YMC
  • Racing towards one year mark
  • Prophetic words, indeed
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #14 :: Book
  • 174th Anniv Maharaj Narasingh #1 : Gallery
  • Ensuring Fair Voting in Hills of Manipur
  • Dr Irengbam Mohendra's latest book :: Rvw
  • NDA has the advantage in both
  • Lok Sabha polls in Manipur #1 : Gallery
  • L Rup's Robot 'Kangleinganbi' in Manipuri
  • Art- means of connecting hearts in Manipur
  • Is it Living Alive or Living Death ? :: Poem
  • Rabies - A preventable zoonotic disease
  • April 19, 2024: The blackest day of all
  • Ugly turns on voting day
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #2 : Gallery
  • The chasm between TB & HIV continues
  • Parliament and its Members
  • Kimchi for health and glowing skin
  • LS election with a difference
  • To vote, or not to vote ?
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #2 : Gallery
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Lamjao, Kakching
  • The Power of Poppy - 27 :: Poem
  • Mother Language based education essential
  • Modi's warriors wear regional hats
  • Nest Asia promoting Northeastern Cuisine
  • Now look beyond LS poll
  • The rot in the system
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laitonjam Warjeet
  • Community seed bank @Umathel : Gallery
  • 10 candidates cracked Civil Services Exam
  • Milk of Paradise: History of Opium : Rvw
  • How plastics find their way into our bodies
  • Condemning attack on Trucks along NH-37
  • Cong looking to buck the trend
  • Saving Manipur
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #2
  • Election Duty :: Travellog
  • 1st Nagas' Meet in Punjab
  • How to select right MP to represent Manipur
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Tejpur
  • Bats are Keystone species for the Planet
  • The '15 days' conundrum
  • Free but not so fair
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #30: Download
  • Before You Vote : My Rumbling Thoughts
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Kakching
  • Meiraba wins All India Sr tournament
  • Finding light in dark through my daughter
  • Navigating life's unreasonable expectations
  • Test of people's character
  • BJP's election manifesto
  • Athoubasingi Numit #1 : Gallery
  • Black rice & Glycemic Index
  • What Nadda should speak at Dimapur rally
  • Open Letter to CM Office Manipur
  • Meghalaya unveils Strawberry festival
  • Benefits of maths newspapers for students
  • Id-ul-Fitr @Hatta #1 : Gallery
  • Are you a good person ?
  • Physics Academy of NE : Executive Body
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Moirang
  • Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin launched
  • Cong on cautious path
  • Botox for Hair
  • Posers voters should raise now
  • The lull before the storm
  • 80th Anniv- Battle of Kanglatongbi @UK
  • Vir Chakra Ngangom Joydutta's bust unveiled
  • Hun - Thadou Cultural Festival : Gallery
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Singjamei
  • Election Eclipses: Ballad of Battle & Loss
  • Our voices are equal at the ballot box
  • Scientists of Manipur : Ngangkham Nimai
  • Urgent Call for Solidarity in Manipur
  • Meitei Nongsha #2 :: An Artwork
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Waikhong
  • About NPF-BJP-NPP alliance & why ?
  • World Veterinary Day, 2024
  • The heavy stake behind the LS polls
  • The politics of lying & deception
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #1 : Gallery
  • Hun-Thadou Cultural Fest @ Delhi: Report
  • Appeal to Parties & Candidates
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Wangoo
  • Establishment of community seed bank
  • Awareness Programme on new Criminal Laws
  • Make a right choice at the Lok Sabha election
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #1
  • RIST talk-58 : Support systems of elderly
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Hiyanglam
  • Vote, do not boycott !
  • Lok Sabha election: A new dawn in politics ?
  • IIT-Guwahati Half Marathon report
  • Taking ST demand to the election ring
  • Lesson to be learnt from across border
  • Mirabai: Poised for Paris Olympics
  • Legal position for protection of environment
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Keisamthong
  • Heterocyclic compound & biochemical science
  • Inner, torn between two lovers
  • Certification Music Therapy Workshop
  • NOTA as a choice
  • Caesar's wife must be above suspicion
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #29: Download
  • World Health Day 2024
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Pangantabi
  • The Power of Poppy - 26 :: Poem
  • Fulbright Fellowship Outreach at Arunachal
  • Id-ul Fitr da namaz nattana..
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #13 :: Book
  • Lok Sabha election is coming, be prepared
  • 6th Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival
  • Let There Be Free & Fair Election
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Lamlong
  • Science magazines are important for student
  • Interesting choice of candidates
  • The power of We, the voters
  • Inspirations from Scientists of Manipur #1
  • The Case for Amendment of Article 371-C
  • Meitei Nongsha #1 :: Artwork
  • Link between forest & conflict in Manipur
  • Final Call for Application MFA - Phase-2
  • ST for Meiteis call before elections
  • Passing the buck
  • Beating of the Retreat #1 : Gallery
  • Life of our Lives in Ethnic Strife Era! :: Poem
  • IIT-Guwahati annual Half Marathon
  • Follow up: European Parliament on Manipur
  • Yoga & Kegel exercise: Pelvic floor workout
  • Opting for the NOTA button
  • Yearning of the displaced people
  • Kenedy Khuman (Singer) : Gallery
  • 5th NE Women's Peace Congregation
  • World Autism Awareness Day 2024
  • Election fever grips Manipur despite unrest
  • Looking for a decent election hustings
  • Clock ticking towards voting day
  • An exemplary directive
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #1 : Gallery
  • Memo to Election Commission of India
  • Easter & Holi echo in Nilgiris
  • Holiday Camp for children at JNMDA, Imphal
  • Zero waste is our moral responsibility
  • Elections & loyalty vis-a-vis Manipur crisis
  • Show of strength without unity
  • Yaoshang Pichakari #2 : Gallery
  • Panthoi Chanu : 1st to play in Australia
  • Intensive labs in film preservation
  • Building bridges with books
  • Need of the hour: Political maturity
  • Accepting defeat before the election
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #28: Download
  • April Calendar for Year 2024 : Tools
  • Natural packaging from bamboo : Gallery
  • The Power of Poppy - 25 :: Poem
  • Everyone has their own Bharat Ratna
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #12 :: Book
  • Demand- Manipuri as classical language
  • The Drummer from Odisha
  • Beauty benefits of lemon
  • Yaoshang Mei Thaba #2 : Gallery
  • Manipur's original Ponies : Gallery
  • Yaoshang & Dance of Democracy loom
  • Symposium on Jagadguru Shankaracharya
  • Choosing ITI as a campus after X
  • Yaoshang Pichakari #1 : Gallery
  • Yaoshang @Nabadwip Dham : Gallery
  • How oral health affects your pregnancy
  • Two faces of Holi
  • Prawaas 4.0, Multimodal Transport Show
  • A decade of development of higher education
  • Yaoshang Mei Thaba #1 : Gallery
  • Our Eternal Kangleipak :: Poem
  • Micro-livestock for livelihoods: For NE States
  • The fun of Holi used to be monotonous
  • 2nd Annual Art Exhibition #1 : Gallery
  • About the "Meitei" community from Manipur
  • Unveiling the medicinal benefits of honey
  • The incalculable value of wildlife
  • Promises of true love
  • Trends, Alliances, & Challenges in Elections
  • Meitei Goddess Ngaleima : An Artwork
  • Lamta Thangja @ Imphal : Gallery
  • Meira Paibis of Manipur
  • North East Film Festival #2 : Gallery
  • Students @ Class X Exam : Gallery
  • Saroi Khangba @ Kangla : Gallery
  • Protest for scrapping SoO #2 :Gallery
  • Shopping List for Shivaratri : Gallery
  • N Tombi Equestrian C'ships #1 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #1: Gallery
  • Radio E-pao: Manipuri Film OST (130+ song)
  • Save Manipur : Protest [Feb 15] #3 : Gallery
  • Naorem Roshibina- Wushu Medallist : Gallery
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD